Rental Car Necessary?

[barbnbrian]

Thinking of going to US/IOA next summer. We never rent a car when we stay at a Disney resort because we use their onsite transportation. Do we need a rental for a Universal trip?

 

[beattyfamily]

It's not absolutely necessary but we always rent when we combine a WDW and Universal trip.

Last year we paid $179 for 10 days and had the car for transportation from the airport to Universal, to WDW, and back to the airport and then little things in between like running to the gorcery store, the bank, shopping, or anything else offsite. It was nice freedom.

We also used the car to resort hop which can be very difficult on the WDW buses.

Good luck.

 

[robvia]

It's not necessary but nice to have.
You can visit a grocery store and fill a cooler.
You can drive to SWF and back without having to wait for a tour bus.
You can visit all the restaurants on I-Drive.

 

[gschmerl]

If you are staying on-site you don't need a car. The parks are SO close to the Universal hotels. You can walk or take the boat or bus provided by the hotels.

 

[Robinrs]

It really depends. If you expect to only to do all things onsite it's not necessary. I like to traipse around Orlando and finding cheaper sources of food!

 

[barbnbrian]

Thanks for your opinions. Not sure what I'll do, I guess it will depend on if I can get a really great rate at the time we decide to go. We will need at least a full size 4 door, if not a minivan since it will be five of us plus luggage. And yes, if we stay for a longer visit, maybe a full week, we probably would want the car for cheaper food choices and to fill up a cooler.

Thanks everyone!